The John Adams Society

A. G. Chin

Chairman

Joshua R. Regnier

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Katey Haflund

Chancellor

APRIL 2014

Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of the State.

― Cardinal Richelieu

THE SOCIAL CONTRACT requires some rights to be surrendered for the common defense, especially with regard to the covert methods of that defense.  The sovereign is faced with continuous threats of invasion or sabotage from foreign powers and is tasked with preventing it by any means necessary.  As the best chess player is one who knows the next move of his opponent in advance, the most important component for the ruler is not the size of his defenses but knowing where to place them.

Acquiring the necessary intelligence for this security requires another army of agents to gather information both outside and within the realm.  If this process offends one of the subjects, he may publicize anything he learns of these procedures, but, in doing so, he only aids a different prince at the expense of his own; rolling out a red carpet for the red army.

ON THE OTHER HAND, there must be some limits on the power of the state.  When abuses of power occur, the people must be made aware of them because, without this knowledge, they would be unable to defend the realm from enemies within.  If every subject were to exhibit absolute obedience to an absolute ruler, does it even matter whether the prince is foreign or domestic?

THE CHAIRMAN, fearing for the [REDACTED], has called a debate to settle the question.

RESOLVED: Loose Lips Sink Ships!

The Debate will be held on April 16, 2014, at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encourage to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections. Questions regarding debate caucus procedures of about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (612) 564-5185 or the Secretary at (651) 321-8414.